TransferJet vs. NFC at CES

MADISON, Wis. – Close proximity wireless technologies are intuitive, and they feel almost magical. All you need to do is to bring two devices together. Then, the two hermaphroditic devices link, transfer files, pay a check via e-wallet - without a lot of digital fiddling and thumb-dancing.

Samsung is evangelizing close proximity wireless technology in the U.S. in its Galaxy S3 TV commercials. The ads show users transferring phone video clips and music play lists. The transfers are made possible by near-field communication (NFC), and a combination of NFC and other wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi Direct.

Another close-proximity wireless transfer technology called TransferJet which will be seeking the spotlight at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in January. Transferjet was developed by Sony and was first demonstrated at CES in 2008. While fascinating, the technology remains somewhat perplexing.

Sony and Toshiba America Electronic Components already have TransferJet chips. Toshiba is offering the industry’s first microSDIO card and USB adaptor based on TransferJet technology, which the company hopes will fuel broader adoption of close-proximity wireless technology among many consumer devices.

Toshiba is hoping Samsung’s Galaxy S3 TV ads promoting NFC technology – but not TransferJet -- may even give an extra boost to TransferJet by making consumers aware of the advantages of proximity wireless technologies.

Adrienne Downey, director of manufacturing research, Semico Research Corp., said TranferJet’s biggest advantage is its high data rate. "It can stream [or] transfer large files between two devices very quickly, so sharing video and other media files is not as arduous as it is with other wireless technologies."

Here's how TransferJet works.

Effective data rate (Mb/s)

TransferJet promises high performance and ease of use

First, instead of RF technology that uses conventional antennas, TransferJet uses a new TransferJet Coupler based on the principle of electric induction fields.